Leak Allowance - Busselton Water
Customers may be granted a “leak allowance” from their water utility if they have experienced an increase in water consumption due to a hidden leak in their irrigation system. For an application to be considered by your water utility, an appropriate form will need to be completed which may need to be signed by an endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigator. Please check with your local utility water authority for any updates.
Leak Allowance ApplicationEligibility and Criteria
Customers are fully responsible for the condition and maintenance of all internal plumbing, including irrigation reticulation. However, Busselton Water may grant a leak allowance of up to 1,000 kilolitres to a customer who has experienced an increase in water consumption caused by a hidden leak or burst.
A leak allowance application form must be submitted to Busselton Water within three months of you receiving a bill which shows the excess water consumption. The form must be completed in full by the property owner and a licensed plumber or waterwise garden irrigator.
Eligibility criteria
- The leak has occurred in circumstances beyond the customer’s reasonable care and control
- The leak is hidden
- The internal plumbing must comply with the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000 and AS/NZS 3500:2003
- The irrigation reticulation system connected to internal plumbing must meet industry standards including a Watermark certified manual isolation valve, a backflow prevention valve complying with AS/NZS 3500:2003 and master control solenoid
- Repairs need to be completed by a licensed plumber or approved Waterwise Garden Irrigator
- Customers can apply for one allowance per owner per property every five years
- An allowance will not be considered for:
- Leaks in appliances including air conditioners, dishwashers, hot water systems, toilet cisterns, valves
- Leaks in swimming pools and spas
- Leaks on or due to internal or external taps
- Plumbing which is considered to be substandard, in disrepair, illegal or unsuitable
- Situations where the leak is not repaired by a licensed plumber or approved Waterwise Garden Irrigator
- Situations where the internal plumbing is open-ended (i.e. not connected to anything)
- Leak Allowance Allowances are calculated based on 50% of the estimated wasted water volume above the average consumption (kilolitres) for the property. Allowances less than 20 kilolitres will not be considered and allowances are capped at a maximum of 1,000 kilolitres.
Claim outcome
Busselton Water undertakes to inform customers of the outcome of their claim within ten business days of receipt of a completed application.